Q: Were you pleased with the outcome of today's meeting versus last week and is this the type of meeting you foresee the council conducting in the future? A: Yes; most meetings are harmonious.

Q: Councilman Richardson said that Sam Jones' name is coming back up for consideration to the MAWSS appointment next week. What are your thoughts regarding this and are you concerned about more gridlock on appointments surfacing because of it? A: Mr. Richardson has told me he intends to continue blocking district specific items or appointments of those who vote against his proposal for a MAWSS appointment. He mentioned that since John Williams' appointments and my discretionary fund transfer both failed last week due to the three abstentions, that leaves only Joel Daves and Bess Rich. I have been assured that important city business will not be impeded by this particular disagreement.

Q: Councilman Richardson said he met with you last week to discuss some matters. This was his quote earlier today, "The tone of that meeting was that some people are tired of me speaking during council meetings. They don't want me to do what I do. I'm Fred Richardson in the day time, early in the morning and at night and any time. No one can convert me as someone else. Expect Fred Richardson to be in full bloom next week." What is your reaction?

A: My goal was to ask Mr. Richardson to agree to not impede important City business, which he said would not happen. At the same time I told him I would support his right to speak, and not try to prevent him from getting his message out. As council president, I make sure that all council members are heard. So, supporting Mr. Richardson's right to speak is the same thing I would do for all my colleagues.